Energy: Abu Dhabi opens nominations for Zayed Future Energy Prize

Abu Dhabi, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - 2007 Nobel Laureate Dr. Rajendra Kumar Pachauri and Masdar CEO, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber today announced the official call for nominations and submissions for the Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP), an international awards program to recognize individuals, companies, organizations, and NGO's who are leading the global search for future energy solutions.

Named after the UAE's Founding Father late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Zayed Future Energy Prize was launched in January this year at the inaugural World Future Energy Summit by HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to encourage innovations in the field of clean energy and sustainable development. The prize is a Masdar initiative, which is Abu Dhabi's landmark program to develop sustainable solutions to meet the world's future energy demand.

The winner and finalists of the first Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP) will be announced at the World Future Energy Summit on January, 19th 2009. The winner will receive US$1.5 million and two finalists will receive US$350,000 each to take their ideas and ambitions forward.

The jury, who will be responsible for selecting the winners, was also announced today and includes some of the world's leading experts in future energy and climate change. The full jury includes: Dr. Rajendra Kumar Pachauri, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Chairman of the Jury for ZFE; HE Olafur Grimsson, President of Iceland; HE Khaled Irani, Environment Minister of Jordan; HE Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar); Lord John Browne, Managing Director, Riverstone Holdings; Lord Norman Foster, Founder and Chairman, Foster + Partners and Jeremy Rifkin, President of the Foundation on Economic Trends.

"Climate change is one of the most significant challenges we face today. Over the past two decades we have seen some incredible advancements in the development of alternate sources of energy, but there is still a long road ahead. The Zayed Future Energy Prize will be an important symbol for creating future energy choices, as it will be honoring the contributions of energy pioneers and inspiring others to seek and create innovative solutions for a sustainable future," said Dr. R.K. Pachauri, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Chairman of the Jury for ZFEP.

"In establishing the Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP), Abu Dhabi honors and continues HH Sheikh Zayed's environmental legacy and advocacy for sustainable development. This vision is for a new energy future, whereby the world has access to energy that is sustainable, accessible, and affordable. This can be achieved by driving the best minds to explore science and technology, and develop evolutionary solutions," added Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar and Director General of ZFEP.

A dual language, Arabic and English website was designed specifically for the prize and is now live. The website, www.zayedfutureenergyprize.com, will be a focal point for information and updates on The Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP) and will be a portal for entering nominations and submissions.

Nominations and Submissions for the Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP) will be open until July 31, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively.

The Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP) is the preeminent award in field of clean energy supported by the Government of Abu Dhabi and announced at the World Future Energy Summit in 2008. It recognizes and aspires individuals, organizations and companies--making contributions in clean energy research, engineering, theoretical advancement, and/or in the areas public policy and public awareness. Projects and innovations in one or more of the following fields are eligible for nomination:
-- Renewable and sustainable energy
-- Efficient use of traditional sources of energy
-- Conservation
-- Sustainable energy policy
-- Communication and public awareness.

The selection process for the Prize is modeled on the Nobel Prize. The finalists will be selected by global experts in clean energy. The winner will be awarded a prize of $1.5 million and the two finalists will be awarded a $350,000 each.

About Masdar

The Masdar Initiative is Abu Dhabi's multi-faceted, multi-billion dollar investment in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in renewable, alternative and sustainable energies as well as sustainable design. Masdar is driven by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC), a wholly owned company of the government of Abu Dhabi through the Mubadala Development Company. In January 2008, Abu Dhabi announced it will invest $15 billion in Masdar, the largest single government investment of its kind. For more information about the Masdar Initiative, please visit www.masdaruae.com.

Media Contacts:
Middle East & North Africa
Americas & Asia Pacific
Zarmineh Rab

Michael Iacovella
Corporate Communications Manager
Edelman PR Worldwide
Masdar

Tel: +1-212-704-8254
Tel: +971-2-6988049

Fax: +1-212-704-0230
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Michael.iacovella@edelman.com
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Mohammed Kharroubi

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Asda'a Public Relations

Laura Misselbrook
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Edelman PR Worldwide
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SOURCE Masdar
CONTACT: Middle East & North Africa,
Zarmineh Rab,
Corporate Communications Manager of Masdar,
+971-2-6988049,
Fax: +971-2-6988123,
Mobile: +971-5-4502315,
zrab@masdar.ae,

or

Mohammed Kharroubi,
Asda'a Public Relations,
+971-4-3344550,
Fax: +971-4-3344556,
m.kharroubi@asdaa.com;

Americas & Asia Pacific,
Michael Iacovella,
Edelman PR Worldwide,
+1-212-704-8254,
Fax: +1-212-704-0230,
Mobile: +1-917-532-7977,
Michael.iacovella@edelman.com;

UK & Europe,
Laura Misselbrook,
Edelman PR Worldwide,
+44 (0)20 3047 2208,
Fax: +44 (0)20 3047 2507,

laura.misselbrook@edelman.com
Web site: http://www.masdaruae.com

http://www.zayedfutureenergyprize.com

Masdar Announces Major Progress on Future Energy Strategy

Investments and Developments Made Across Solar, Hydrogen, Carbon Reduction, Green Design, Higher Education

Abu Dhabi (ANTARA/Xinhua-PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Masdar, Abu Dhabi's $15 billion future energy initiative, has made significant steps forward in its ambition to make Abu Dhabi the global centre for future energy.

As a long-term strategic and financial initiative, Masdar aims to create an entirely new economic sector in Abu Dhabi turning it into an exporter of technology. Since its inception in April 2006, Masdar has been working to bring this initiative to life and many of the building blocks are now in place.

The highlights of this period include:

-- The Masdar Clean Technology Fund ( www.masdarctf.com ), an investment fund dedicated to advancing renewable energy and sustainable technologies, has concluded its first year of operations with one of the strongest and most successful deal flows in the investment community. The $250 million dollar fund has already deployed most of its capital, one year ahead of schedule.

The fund has invested in many expansion stage companies focused on the development and commercialisation of promising technologies in renewable energy like solar, energy efficiency, water reuse and desalination -- all technologies with relevance for Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the Middle East and North Africa region.

-- Masdar provides market-driven incentives for carbon management, by monetising greenhouse gas emission reductions in compliance with the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) framework of the Kyoto Protocol. Masdar is leveraging the CDM to promote sustainable growth in the region offering companies in developing economies the opportunity to receive tradable "carbon credits" against project-based emissions reduction. Masdar provides an end-to-end solution for project developers under the CDM, including investment, technical assistance, project management and carbon finance.

-- Masdar is currently developing a portfolio of CDM projects with major asset owners in the UAE and the Middle East -- including Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) and Dubai Aluminum (DUBAL).

-- Masdar also advances sustainable infrastructure projects, leading to sizeable carbon emission reductions, with a particular focus on CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS). In March 2007, Masdar announced a strategic initiative aiming to develop an Abu Dhabi-based national CCS network for enhanced oil recovery. This initiative started with a comprehensive feasibility study conducted in the second half of 2007, to assess the economics and evaluate options for CO2 capture from industrial and power generation facilities in Abu Dhabi and delivery to oil reservoirs. The study will recommend the first carbon capture project planned for kick-off in 2008 as well as the road map to develop the national network.

-- Masdar has recently signed an agreement with BP and Rio Tinto to conduct a feasibility study on the front-end engineering design of an industrial-scale hydrogen-fired power generation project with carbon capture and storage. The project will be the largest of its kind in the world, and will provide 500MW of clean power.

-- Masdar's progress in solar technology has been developing and will soon release an invitation to build, own and operate a 100 MW Concentrating Solar Power ("CSP") plant in Madinat Zayad, Abu Dhabi -- the first of many CSP plants in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, which will feed power to existing grids. The plant will use parabolic trough technology and is expected to be operational by the end of 2010.

-- Over the past two months a major photovoltaic panel field test has been underway, which aims to evaluate the performance and efficiency of different PV models within the Abu Dhabi environment. This is the first test of its kind in the world and is located at the future site of Masdar City, with the energy created by the panels already feeding back into Abu Dhabi's grid.

-- The faculty for the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) is now formed and is already conducting research in 12 different areas. The faculty will support the drive to create the next generation of energy leaders here in Abu Dhabi and around the world. In partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), MIST is the world's first graduate level institution focused on alternative energy and sustainability, ensuring a ready supply of highly skilled graduates to meet the growing demand within the clean technology and sustainable energy sectors.

-- The Masdar Research Network is mobilising and has signed up many of the world's leading institutions in the sustainable energy industry including Columbia University, USA; Imperial College of London, UK; RWTH Aachen University, Germany; University of Waterloo, Canada; Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan; The German Aerospace Center (DLR); Ciemat: Energy Research Center, Spain. The MRN is already working with Tokyo Institute of Technology in the research of beam down solar technologies, with the first facility of this type being planned for Masdar City.

-- The Abu Dhabi government through Masdar this week announced the establishment of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, which awards of over $US2 million annually to honour individuals and organizations for their excellence and innovation in the innovation, development and implementation of sustainable energy solutions.

-- The Zayed Future Energy Prize will be awarded to three individuals or organisations that have made significant contributions in the global response to the future of energy. The award is named after the United Arab Emirates founding father and conservationist His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and will be chaired by R.K. Pachuari, Chairman of the Nobel Prize winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Looking forward, Masdar will continue to look for opportunities to invest in and develop technologies across solar, wind, hydrogen, carbon reduction, green design and higher education.

In February 2008, Masdar will break ground of the world's first zero-carbon, zero-waste, car-free city. The city, growing eventually to 1,500 businesses and 50,000 residents, when completed in 2016, it will be home to international business and top minds in the field of sustainable and alternative energy.

Electricity will be generated by photovoltaic panels, while cooling will be provided via concentrated solar power. Water will be provided through a solar-powered desalination plant. Landscaping within the city and crops grown outside the walled city will be irrigated with grey water and treated waste water produced by the city's water treatment plant.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar said, "Masdar has a simple promise -- to be the world's centre for future energy solutions. It is not about discussion. It is about action.

"I am very pleased with the progress Masdar has made over the past 21 months. We are making bold but strategic investments; applying scale and capital to drive down the cost of renewable energy, accelerating innovation, sponsoring research and building human capital.

"Our promise is as multi-faceted as the problem, which is why we have deployed a basket of solutions to develop and deliver sustainable solutions to meet the world's future energy needs."

More about Masdar

In April 2006, Abu Dhabi launched Masdar, a multi-faceted, multi-billion dollar investment in renewable and alternative energy and clean technology. Masdar is helping to explore, develop and commercialize such future energy sources, including solar and hydrogen power. In 2008, Masdar will break ground for Masdar City, the world's first zero-carbon, zero-waste, car-free city, which will eventually be home to 1,500 businesses and 50,000 residents.

For more information about Masdar please visit http://www.masdaruae.com or email: mediamasdar@edelman.com.

More about the World Future Energy Summit

From January 21-23, 2008, Masdar is hosting the inaugural World Future Energy Summit (WFES), bringing together the world's leading innovators, educators, scientists, venture capitalists and experts in the field of alternative and renewable energies. The summit will be the largest meeting of the "future energy" movement and the premier event for world leaders to preview new solutions and technologies and seek partners. The summit will be a carbon-neutral certified event.

For more information about WFES, please contact Lindsey Bredin at +971-50-379-0348 or l.bredin@turretme.com or please visit http://www.wfes08.com
.

CONTACT:

Dayce Sjaflan

Tel: +62-21-781-2436
Email: dayce.sjaflan@indopacedelman.com

SOURCE: Masdar

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Abu Dhabi`s Masdar Initiative Launches $2.2 Million Zayed Future Energy Prize

2007 Nobel Laureate Dr. R.K. Pachauri to Chair the Zayed Future Energy Prize Jury

Abu Dhabi (ANTARA/Xinhua-PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - The government of Abu Dhabi announced today the establishment of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, awarding $US2.2 million annually to honour individuals and organizations for their excellence in the innovation, development and implementation of sustainable energy solutions.

The Zayed Future Energy Prize will be awarded to three individuals or organisations that have made significant contributions in the global response to the future of energy. The award is named after UAE founding father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan who fostered the UAE's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The winner of the prize will receive $1.5 million; two additional finalists will be awarded $350,000 to take their ideas and ambitions forward.

Finalists and winners will be chosen by a jury composed of the world's leading experts in future energy and the mitigation of climate change. The jury will be chaired by Dr. R.K. Pachauri, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to raise public awareness about climate change while establishing measures to counter that change.

The criteria for the prize and the process for nominations will be developed by the jury. More details on the nomination process and jury composition will come with the April 2008 call for nominations.

The inaugural prize will be awarded in 2009 under the aegis of Masdar, Abu Dhabi's multi-faceted, multi-billion dollar investment in renewable and alternative energy. Projects and innovations in one or more of the following fields are eligible for nomination:

-- Renewable and sustainable energy;

-- Efficient use of traditional sources of energy;

-- Conservation;

-- Sustainable energy policy;

-- Communication and public awareness.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of the Masdar Initiative said, "Today, climate change is one of the biggest issues we face and new solutions are needed to meet the ever increasing demand for energy. His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed's environmental leadership and Abu Dhabi's role as a leading energy producer creates a natural foundation for this prize. Masdar is designed to be an incubator of innovation and the Zayed Future Energy Prize will recognise -- and in many ways nurture -- these ideas to protect our planet and provide for the future," he said.

More about Masdar
In April 2006, Abu Dhabi launched Masdar, a multi-faceted, multi-billion dollar investment in renewable and alternative energy and clean technology. Masdar is helping to explore, develop and commercialize such future energy sources, including solar and hydrogen power. In 2008, Masdar will break ground for Masdar City, the world's first zero-carbon, zero-waste, car-free city, which will eventually be home to 1,500 businesses and 50,000 residents.

For more information, please contact masdarmedia@edelman.com.

Mark Grundy at +1-917-517-4882 or Beth Keith at +1-212-704-4545
Kirstin Mckellar at +971-50-139-2619
Stephen Worsley at +971-50-558-0678

More about the World Future Energy Summit

From January 21-23, 2007, Masdar is hosting the inaugural World Future Energy Summit (WFES), bringing together the world's leading innovators, educators, scientists, venture capitalists and experts in the field of alternative and renewable energies. The summit will be the largest meeting of the "future energy" movement and the premier event for world leaders to preview new solutions and technologies and seek partners. The summit will be a carbon-neutral certified event.

For more information about WFES, please contact Lindsey Bredin at +971-50-379 0348 or l.bredin@turretme.com or please visit http://www.wfes08.com
.

CONTACT:

Dayce Sjaflan
Tel: +62-21-781-2436
Email: dayce.sjaflan@indopacedelman.com

SOURCE Masdar

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Abu Dhabi Commits US$15 Billion to Alternative Energy, Clean Technology

World's Largest Single Government Commitment to 'Future Energy' will Leverage Additional Partner Commitments for a 'Grand Portfolio' Many Times Larger

Abu Dhabi (ANTARA/Xinhua-PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - In the opening ceremony of the World Future Energy Summit here today, Abu Dhabi announced the most ambitious sustainability program ever launched by a government -- an initial investment of US$15 billion in projects targeting solar, wind and hydrogen power; carbon reduction and management; sustainable development; education; manufacturing; and research and development.

The investment will be channelled through the Masdar Initiative, a company that aims to explore, develop and commercialize future energy sources. Masdar will leverage the Abu Dhabi government's initial US$15 billion investment with joint ventures and other investment partners for a grand portfolio many times larger, comprised of projects in Abu Dhabi, the MENA region and globally.

The emirate of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has been a leader in the field of hydrocarbons for nearly half a century. One of Masdar's primary objectives is to build upon Abu Dhabi's energy leadership and develop an entirely new domestic economic sector built on energy innovation and intellectual property, thereby establishing the emirate as the regional and global center of future energy solutions.

"For nearly half a century, the emirate of Abu Dhabi has used its natural resources to contribute to growth, development and security -- our own as well as that of other countries," said Masdar CEO Dr. Sultan Al Jaber.

"Today, as global demand for energy continues to expand and as climate change becomes a real and growing concern, the time has come to look to the future," he continued. "Our ability to adapt and respond to these realities will ensure that Abu Dhabi's global energy leadership as well as our own growth and development continues."

The $15 billion Masdar commitment announced today will be directed to the following areas:

-- Investments

-- Manufacturing Future Energy Solutions

-- Education and R&D

-- Carbon Management

-- Sustainable Development & Planning

-- Renewable Energy Infrastructure Projects

Noting that Masdar means "the source" in Arabic, Al Jaber said, "Under the vision of His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the U.A.E. and Ruler of Abu Dhabi and the leadership and direction of His Highness, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the U.A.E. Armed Forces, Masdar signals Abu Dhabi's intention to build upon its energy expertise and become the leading source of the world's future energy solutions. It is also an important example of Abu Dhabi's long-term strategy to secure its future by investing resources domestically. As we do this, we honor the vision of His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, our country's founder, who articulated for Abu Dhabi a vision of unity, stewardship and leadership."

For more information about the Masdar Initiative, please visit http://www.masdaruae.com .

For more information about the World Future Energy Summit, where Abu Dhabi's $15 billion commitment was announced today, please visit http://www.wfes08.com, or contact Lindsey Bredin at +971 50 379 0348

CONTACT:

Desmond Crofton
Tel: +852-2837-4743
Email: desmond.crofton@edelman.com

Ashley Hegland
Tel: +852-2837-4714
Email: ashley.hegland@edelman.com

SOURCE Masdar

COPYRIGHT © 2008 - ANTARANEWS

The Masdar World Future Energy Summit (WFES) from January 21-23, 2008 in Abu Dhabi

HONG KONG, Jan. 11 (ANTARA/Xinhua-PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - The inaugural World Future Energy Summit ( http:// www.wfes08.com ) will be attended by leaders and experts from Asia and around the world and will convene to stimulate innovative solutions for some of the most pressing challenges of our times: energy conservation, energy security, the environment and truly sustainable human development.

WFES will be the largest meeting of the "future energy" movement and promises to be the premier event for world leaders to find solutions for the global energy problems. Among the 1,500 WFES delegates will be: three Presidents, 13 Ministers of Energy and/or Environment (including the US Secretary of Energy and the EU Commissioner for Energy), NGOs (including the head of Greenpeace International), investors and scores of chief executives from energy, technology, infrastructure and heavy industry companies. Delegates from Asian nations, such as Japan and China will also be in attendance.

These delegates aren't coming to Abu Dhabi to "talk shop" -- they will preview new solutions and technologies, seek partners and generate deals, making it the place to be for anyone who covers every aspect of energy and the environment.

WFES is hosted by Masdar, which means "the source" in Arabic ( http://www.masdaruae.com ). Masdar is a multi-billion initiative to establish the single largest global center and network, based in Abu Dhabi, for the development AND commercialization of alternative energy sources and clean technology solutions. Masdar is opening an academic institution in collaboration with MIT; they have already launched a clean-technology investment fund; and they have multiple commercial joint-ventures already announced or in the works with leading multi-national companies in the energy, technology and heavy industry sectors.

All of this activity will be housed in the Masdar Zone, an entirely new six square kilometer city, which was designed by Foster + Partners. It will be the world-first entirely carbon-neutral city, relying on a host of clean technologies and solutions, including the world÷Õ largest photo-voltaic power source. The first occupants will take up residency in 2009. I've attached a brochure on the city, and you can view a five minute film about the City at http://www.masdaruae.com/text/v-files.aspx .

WFES occurs under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who will preside over the Welcoming Ceremonies. WFES Conference Co-Sponsorsinclude Credit Suisse, Shell, Total and BP.

For information:

Ashley Hegland
Edelman
Tel: +852-2837-4714
Fax: +852-2804-1303
Email: ashley.hegland@edelman.com

SOURCE Masdar

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